President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger intra-African cooperation and economic integration, insisting that the continent must prioritise internal collaboration to unlock scale, growth, and long-term prosperity.
Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum Presidential Panel held in Kigali, Rwanda, on Thursday evening, Tinubu said Africa’s development trajectory must be driven first by partnerships within the continent rather than external dependence.
Posting on his official X handle, the President stated that Africa must “put Africa first whilst creating opportunities for intra-Africa collaboration between our countries.”
“Our continent cannot build scale by looking outward first. We must invest in one another, trade more with one another, build the corridors that connect our markets, ensure our innovative youthful population get the support they need, and give African businesses the confidence to expand across African borders,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms are designed not only to address historical economic challenges but also to position the country as a leading force in the Africa of the future.
“Nigeria’s reforms are not only about fixing yesterday. They are about preparing our economy to lead in the Africa of tomorrow,” he said.
He highlighted the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), digital trade, infrastructure development, logistics expansion, commodities exchanges, and private sector partnerships as key drivers for transforming Africa’s economic potential into tangible prosperity.
“With AfCFTA, digital trade, shared infrastructure, stronger logistics, commodities exchange, and deeper private sector partnerships, we can turn Africa’s population and resources into real continental prosperity,” Tinubu said, adding that the global financial and risk architecture must be reformed to ensure Africa receives “a fair deal that recognises our local nuances and contexts.”
The President also expressed appreciation to Rwandan President Paul Kagame for his hospitality and leadership, describing Rwanda as an example of discipline and effective governance.
“I thank my brother, President Paul Kagame, for his warm hospitality and for Rwanda’s continued leadership in showing what discipline, clarity and execution can do for development,” he said.
Tinubu further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Rwanda and other African nations to strengthen production, trade, connectivity and competitiveness across the continent.
“Nigeria will continue to work with Rwanda and other African partners to build a continent that produces more, trades more, connects better, and competes with greater confidence in the world,” he said.
He concluded that Africa’s future development must be intentional and collective, stressing that progress will not be externally delivered.
“Africa’s future will not be handed to us. We must build it, own it, and defend it together,” Tinubu stated.
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